HALLOWEEN is almost upon us, and if being frightened sounds like your idea of fun, then it's time to don your favourite scary costume and join like-minded folks at Fearaphobia, Australia's only dedicated scream park.
From this Thursday, the Halloween-style fun park will return to Hawkesbury Showground for the fourth consecutive year, this time over six action-packed nights in celebration of all things freaky and kooky.
Lewis Osborne, director of Showtime Amusements and creator of Fearaphobia, said over 1,000 actors from around the world had been preparing all year to give punters the scare of their life.
His team has over 30 years experience in the 'scare industry', and he has scoured talents from the Hawkesbury right across to the USA.
"There will be seven blood-curdling attractions dedicated to making you scream - and maybe also laugh," Mr Osborne said, adding that the Fearaphobia Sydney event had enjoyed a 4.9-star Facebook rating for the fourth year running.
"Halloween is starting to get a really good following in this country now. People are starting to realise that it's not grotesque - it's more scary-fun. It's an entertaining thing, rather than trying to put people off.
Ticket-holders are encouraged to dress up, and prizes are on offer for the 'best worst-dressed' each night.
"People love to put make-up on, and transform themselves into a character for the evening. We've had massive ticket sales so far. So come along because it's time to creep!" Mr Osborne laughed.
Punters can look forward to roaming actors playing characters including Freddy Krueger and Michael Myers, spooks, zombies and ghosts, stage entertainment of the likes of fire dancers and magicians, and an array of fright-filled foods such as the 'killer coffee' at the Chew and Spew Canteen.
Brand new for 2019 are two escape-style rooms, The Bunker and The Boiler Room, each taking six punters for five minutes.
"The rooms are full of puzzles. Whoever goes in there is going to have a lot of fun getting out within the timeframe," Mr Osborne said.
"One is US army-style, the other is done like sewer pipes - because people love to put their hands within sewer pipes, don't they? We give them a toilet brush so they can clean themselves down when they finish!"
For the seasoned Fearaphobia-goers, there'll be new scares in each of the attractions to keep you on edge.
A massive 3D maze has been added in the pitch darkness of The Crypt, and The Doll Factory has been revamped with even more demonic dollies designed by the demented doll-maker.
"Our signature haunted house Escape of the Zombies will be back, and a lot of scary things have been added to Evil Scream 13," said Mr Osborne.
"The Killing Fields will be there of course, where you are given laser guns to shoot the zombies before they kill you. You've got to be pretty quick to attack them before they wipe you out."
There's also a clown maze called Freak Show, about which the Fearaphobia website states: "Run the gauntlet of this Frightening Freakshow and you will never want to visit a circus again."
And if you're so inclined, you can pay a little bit extra for the honour of being "buried alive" in the seventh attraction.
Fearaphobia will take place from 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, October 24, 25, 26 and 31, and November 1 and 2.
Tickets ($25-$110) and information at fearaphobia.com.au.